PBI Introduces Lightweight Protective Fabric

A development partnership between PBI and Heathcoat Fabrics has created a new lightweight protective fabric with increased tensile strength designed for technical rescue, wildland and industrial firefighting.

PBI TGP 185 is also dyeable and available in a wide range of colours including red, orange, green and yellow, as well as navy blue and black.

Although only weighing 185g/m², the fabric retains a high level of comfort for wearers and feels as soft as cotton but has a higher tensile strength than many other heavier fabrics, with much greater strength retention after prolonged exposure to sunlight. It will also withstand many washes, retaining light fastness throughout the lifetime of the garment.

The new fabric is specially designed to provide lightweight, breathable protection against heat, flash fire and arc flash. It is highly durable and like all PBI fabrics are inherently flame resistant so will not ignite. It will not become brittle, shrink or break open when exposed to flame and high temperatures, ensuring high levels of protection in operational conditions.

PBI TGP 185 is also highly resistant to chemicals and retains 85% of its tensile strength after 10 hours contact with hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, acetone or petrol. In ATPV Incident Energy level tests predicted to cause second degree burns in flash fire or arc flash PBI TGP 185 performed significantly better than competing fabrics with a score of 8.9 cal/cm² ATPV.

Firefighters wearing the new fabric will experience excellent levels of comfort as it wicks perspiration 58% faster than a typical meta-aramid fabric, improving moisture management within the garment and reducing the risks of steam burns for the wearer.

The ability to move freely and comfortably without reducing protection is essential in wildland firefighting and technical rescue work. PBI TGP 185 is specifically designedto maintain high protection levels while increasing comfort and breathability and reducing the risk of heat stress. Although it is lighter than other fabrics, it doesn’t compromise on protection from heat and flame and in many areas performs better than heavier alternatives.

The new fabric is the result of a programme of continued research and development at PBI, working closely with fire and rescue services around the world to gain a detailed understanding of their changing needs. PBI TGP 185 is the latest chapter in the company’s long legacy as the first line of defence for firefighters, protecting them in a wide range of operational situations.

The company has been at the forefront of incredible progress through innovation, creating garments that are designed to be more flexible to protect the wearer in different environments.

In the 32 years since opening for business in Charlotte, North Carolina, PBI Performance Products has created a reputation for protection that is recognised all over the world. Today, the company is a global force in personal protection in the Middle East, USA, Europe, Asia, and Australasia, because its products do exactly what is promised.

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